Kings Add Size, Pistons Gain Shooting in Mock Trade

Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart could be a prime target for the Sacramento Kings.

Jan 18, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) looks on during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports / Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

It is no secret that the Sacramento Kings lack size. As of today, the Kings roster boasts seven guards and only two centers, Domantas Sabonis and Alex Len. While the three-time All-Star Sabonis will command most of the center minutes, there are still questions about the backup center minutes. 

Alex Len was re-signed to a one-year veteran minimum contract this offseason and was a solid backup center last season, winning the role over JaVale McGee. However, there may be a better backup center option available via trade. 

Last month, Yahoo Sports reported that the Detroit Pistons were “evaluating the market for Isaiah Stewart”. Stewart, or “Beef Stew” as he’s also known, is a 6-foot-8, 250-pound center who just completed his fourth season with the Pistons. In 46 games (45 starts), the 23-year-old averaged 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 30.9 minutes while shooting an impressive 38.3 percent from three on 3.8 attempts per game. 

Eight minutes of Isaiah Stewart defense from 2021-2022, the last season in which he played center full-time.

He was a strong all-around defender at the position, and his 51.9 DFG% at the rim ranked him 5th among regular starting centers (the top four were all on playoff teams). https://t.co/ksq6JLoITa pic.twitter.com/9VHn1mqUry

— .Mike (@ToTheBasketPod) July 3, 2024

Stewart is due to make $15 million for each of the next three seasons and has a team option for $15 million in the 2027-28 season. If the Kings were to get Stewart, they would have one of the best backup centers in the league, someone who would provide toughness on defense and floor spacing on offense, two things the Kings badly need from their bench players. 

While Stewart wouldn’t come cheap, the framework of a deal may be rather simple. The Pistons need shooters. Last season the Pistons finished 26th in 3P% and 29th in three-pointers made. And as it happens, the Kings have been shopping one of their best shooters, Kevin Huerter. 

Despite a down year last season compared to 2022-23, Huerter still boasts an excellent career 3P% of 38.2%. After suffering a torn left labrum and ending his season in March, Huerter was replaced by second-year guard Keon Ellis in the starting lineup and the team’s defense dramatically improved.

There is now an expectation that Ellis or Malik Monk will be the starting shooting guard to begin next season, and Huerter will find himself as the third shooting guard in the rotation. 

Kevin Huerter needs to be moved.

Keon Ellis and Malik Monk should get the nod to start over him, and while Huerter as a 7/8th man is appealing, it doesn’t work in practice.

Kevin Huerter doesn’t work if you bench him, it’s been true since HS.. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/RslQlx5PPm

— Jack (@JackDannKF) July 10, 2024

While the trade would make sense for both teams on paper, the Pistons would likely want draft compensation in addition to Huerter. Here is the trade: 

Sacramento Kings receive: 

• Isaiah Stewart 

Detroit Pistons receive:

• Kevin Huerter 

• 2028 FRP (lottery protected) 

The Kings have two roster spots remaining and the NBA regular season begins in October.

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